The Antisocial Socialist

I've been told that I really ought to "believe in something" (I assume they meant "something" bestowing eternal life, rather than "something" like universal human rights and that people ought to be nicer) as it must be horrific for me waking up every morning considering the bereavements I've had, without such a belief. I replied that yes, it is horrific, but that I can't order myself to believe in something so utterly unlikely just to make myself feel better! I think, though, that many people do manage it, making themselves believe in "something" on purpose to make themselves feel better. I'm not sure how. It doesn't really make sense to me. Belief is surely meant to be something you just have or don't have, not something you will yourself to have?!?